BIO
SHAKER HYMNS
Shaker Hymns is a 40 hour work week before one note of music is played. A band rooted in real life, rather than the glamor of an industry plagued with false hope. Shaker Hymns are songs. Not how you’ve heard them before or what you may be used to, but instead, an ode to the working man. What sounds like songs belonging to a sacred belief, or a way of life, is just that. Movers, shakers, all out hustlers, Shaker Hymns are the “songs of the working man.”
Starting in 2015 by frontman Nyles Robakiewicz alongside drummer Julian Emerson, and Dillon Schmadl, Shaker Hymns set their sights not on world fame, but hard work. Meeting at a Levi’s jeans outlet, Nyles and Julian began conversations about Merle Haggard, Metallica, Slipknot, The Rolling Stones, and music that stood for something. With no other players, both decided music wasn’t a job, or a hobby, it was a way of life. It wasn’t long before long time friend, Dillon Schmadl became the de-facto bass player. That’s the way these things work, not because we want them to, but because they have to. Shaker Hymns is a life.
With guitar players, keyboard players, hangovers, and jail time coming and going, one thing that remained consistent was 3 guys with a relentless seeking of a song. An unapologetic approach to writing, creating, jamming, recording, and touring. An all out attack on a music scene that was born in the blood of honesty. Shaker Hymns is honest.
For the first year and a half Shaker Hymns could not book a show. None except for a once a month residency at a bar in San Antonio, right by the Airport. If you’ve ever seen “That Thing you do,” this was exactly like that, minus the fact that nobody would listen. As a band with all members scraping by to afford ramen noodles, and beanie weenies, recording didn’t come easy. With nobody wanting to book the band Shaker Hymns set out to live by their name, “working man's music.” For almost 3 years straight, Shaker Hymns began a relentless rehearsal schedule, all while being full time students, and working 30 hour a week jobs. 6 days a week, 4 hour rehearsals, in whichever house or apartment they could find that would not kick them out that day. It wasn’t about becoming famous, it wasn’t about making money, it was about the ride. Shaker Hymns is a ride.
The ride is what led them to the missing wheel on the already moving bus. Surviving as a 3 piece, Shaker Hymns was and is a rock and roll band. The love of songs drives the unit, but live, there is no mistake that Shaker Hymns will have you moving. While battling around trying to find like minds, a young guitar player with the same passion found his way to a crossroads with the band. Hunter Howell, a Georgetown native hell bent on making his way in life through music, was introduced to the band through another band Shaker would frequently play with. One after-party at the infamous “Shaker House” would lead to a conversation that solidified his part in the family. Shaker Hymns is a family.
After 8 years of songwriting, 4 years as a band and a lifetime of wonder, Shaker Hymns got its first break. In 2019 Nyles participated, and won the Larry Joe Taylor Songwriters Showcase, which changed the course of his life. Aside from being introduced to the world that is LJT and the culture of songwriting that it breeds, the band was afforded opportunities to showcase their work. Show after show, touring with well established acts, the friendships were made, and the road became clear. This life is what we decide to do with it. Shaker Hymns is a road-show.
Since 2015 Shaker Hymns has been tireless in their pursuit of music. No matter the cost, they figure out a way to make the wheels turn. Whether it be working full time jobs to support their addiction to the road. Whether it be making every album with the last penny in their bank accounts, Shaker Hymns does it.
Shaker Hymns are workers. Shaker Hymns are songs. Shaker Hymns are the songs of the working man.